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Yahoo's about face on jurisdiction issues

In 2000, Yahoo was sued in a French court over the fact that French citizens could view Nazi items sold on the portal's auction site.Back then, Yahoo!
Written by Edwin Yapp, Contributor

In 2000, Yahoo was sued in a French court over the fact that French citizens could view Nazi items sold on the portal's auction site.

Back then, Yahoo! argued that the French courts had no jurisdiction over the company, which was U.S.-based.

Fast forward to present time. It is now being sued in a U.S. court over the fact that it gave the Chinese government information about some of its users.

Yahoo's argument now is that it was merely complying with Chinese law when it handed over the information.

So, is Yahoo subject to local laws or not?

This case has special relevance in all countries which have draconian laws that limit free speech.

Will users of Yahoo's services in such countries continue to use such services knowing that the company is willing to hand over personal information if the government demands it does so?

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